The importance of vaccination to children during the health crisis

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Why are immunizations important?

Immunizations are the single most important way to protect your child from disease.

Vaccines can literally help save your child’s life. Many viruses and diseases have all but been eliminated through the use of vaccines

Vaccines can prevent infectious diseases that once killed or harmed many infants, children, and adults. Without vaccines, your child is at risk for getting seriously ill and suffering pain, disability, and even death from diseases like measles and whooping cough.

Vaccination rate in the Philippines is now at an all-time low because of the lockdown, a Department of Health (DOH) official said.

DOH and other medical experts are calling for continued immunization despite the quarantine explaining that the country could not afford an outbreak within a pandemic.

The DOH National Immunization Program manager, Dr. Maria Wilda Silva, said that from January to March, vaccination coverage has dropped to 7 percent which is an all-time low. This number is way below the ideal 24 percent coverage for the country to reach the 95 percent target by end 2020.

During the recent online kapihan of Samahang Plaridel, Dr. Silva said that" this is very low because of the disruption from both the supply and demand side."

Silva shared that one of the vaccine-preventable diseases, pneumonia, remains the number one killer disease among children 5 years old and below. The tender for the child pneumococcal vaccine—between PCV 10 and PCV 13-- is currently being reviewed by the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) for comparability and cost effectiveness. 

Asked on the new evidence presented by the World Health Organization (WHO) saying that the two PCVs in the market are equally effective in protecting the children from pneumonia, Silva said: 

“When we did the cost effectiveness analysis, they are both cost effective. The price of PCV10 and PCV13, they fall on that range na cost effective sila pareho. But, of course, there is another benefit when we chose the PCV13 because it contains te three serotypes that are not found in PCV10 before. But now with the new evidence, this was now presented to National Immunization Committee and then it was brought up to the HTAC for further review and we are waiting for the review.”

The PCV tender is massive, which is even bigger than that of the controversial Dengvaxia procurement. 

“Currently, there is only one available pneumococcal conjugate vaccine available in the market (PCV 13). It is a very expensive vaccine and its eating up more than 60% of the budget of the national immunization program. Mahal talaga pag isang produkto lang ang nasa merkado, ” Silva said. 

The HTAC Review of the PCV vaccines is expected to be completed this June. 

For her part, Dr. Mary Ann Bunyi, president of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP), said that like COVID-19, 

“each opponent virus has its own effective weapon of infecting vulnerable individuals, especially children which is why, vaccination is critical even during a pandemic.

“Sa ngayon, meron na tayong mabisang bala para sa tigdas, polio, tusperina, flu, pulmonya, pagtatae at iba pang mga sakit. So, labanan natin at sugpuin natin ito upang mapanatili nating malusog ang ating mga bata. Sama-sama, tulong-tulong tayong ihayag sa mga magulang kung gaano kahalaga ang magpabakuna.” (For now, we already have an effective defense weapon against measles, polio, pertussis, flu, pneumonia, diarrhea, and many other illnesses. We need to fight and beat these to ensure the health of our kids. We should all together make parents aware how important it is to get vaccinated.)

The first ever e-Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel last Friday, MAY 15, 2020, 10:30 am-11:30 am, via the Zoom platform. The first virtual Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel, with topic about the importance of immunization and how it can prevent an outbreak within a pandemic.

The call for immunization is strongly aligned with the statements released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF which also highlighted the importance of continuing vaccination at this challenging time.said that the benefits of immunization clearly outweigh the risks at this time.

According to Executive Director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, Dr. Lulu Bravo:

“Don’t be afraid because children must get immunized. They are at higher risk of getting measles, polio, pneumonia and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Let us all be reminded that first, if children and other vulnerable sectors are not vaccinated, they can get sick and can die from these vaccine-preventable diseases.” 

Immunizations are safe. Vaccines work, and are extremely effective. Immunization is the best way to keep your child safe from vaccine preventable diseases. 


Stay healthy, Stay Safe.

From farm to table: Australian Table Grapes are back in the Philippines with unique varieties on offer this season

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One of my favorite fruits - Grapes, a good source of fiber, potassium, and a range of vitamins and other minerals. The nutrients in grapes may help protect against cancer, eye problems, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions. 

Naturally grown and ripened under the Australian sunshine with a sweet burst of flavour and juicy pulp, the new season of fresh Australian Table Grapes are now available for Filipinos to enjoy today.

From April, the 2020 season varieties will be available at different stores and partners like Rustans Supermarket, Shopwise, Marketplace by Rustans, Robinsons Supermarket, S&R, SM, and even thru e-Commerce partners like Baytownsproduce, Crate2plate and Dizon Farms, which includes Tam’s Gold and Crimson Seedless as well as Sweet Sapphire (a long finger shaped black grape), Autumn Crisp (a very sweet and crispy grape) and Cotton Candy (a sweet, aromatic green grape). These varieties are known for their extra sweet taste making them a delicious snack the whole family can enjoy. 

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Australian Table Grape farmers and food safety inspectors reassured all fruit is grown using the highest food safety standards and most advanced growing techniques, ensuring all produce leaving the farm is of the highest quality and safe for consumption. 

Each variety of grape is extremely versatile in its taste – they can be deliciously enjoyed on their own and best enjoyed whole - as well as able to be added to a range of dishes. Considered nature’s candy, Australian Table Grapes are a versatile snack or sweet and crisp addition to any recipe, making them the ideal fresh fruit for all.

Furthermore, the nutritional value that Table Grapes hold make them fantastic for maintaining a healthy diet for people of all ages. 

Red Globe table grapes have a low Glycemic Index (GI) value and 5g of gut-healthy fibre in every serving. 

Meanwhile, the Thompson Seedless variety is packed with vitamin C which is perfect for giving your immune system a boost.

The horticulture industry in Australia prides itself on the idyllic growing conditions Australia is famous for - warm, dry summers, and deep, rich soils provide the perfect environment for Australian growers to produce world class table grapes.

Every grape grown by Australian Table Grape farmers is from an established second or third generation family-owned farm located in pristine rural Australia. The techniques, knowledge and passion for growing and carefully selecting the grapes has been perfected over many years and passed down through the generations of families. Using this expertise, these farmers are proud to work hard producing more than 240,000 tons of the best quality fruit from their farms and exporting 60% of their top quality produce around the world.

As Australia is the closest southern hemisphere supplier to the Philippines, Australian Table Grapes found in store are guaranteed to be the freshest in the market. The whitish bloom on the skin of each grape is another key indicator of freshness, proving they’re delivered directly from the farm to your table. 

Max's Group CEO talks about dealing with 'new normal'

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Max's Group president and chief executive officer Robert Trota admitted that the COVID-19 crisis "became more than what we expected," with his team pushed to do things "that they were not ready to do, or equipped to do."

In a webinar organized by the Philippine Franchise Association on Thursday,Max's Group CEO talks about dealing with 'new normal'.

"We had to take care of our people, preserve our inventory, move things around, and go into shutdown mode which is not normal," said Trota, who was one of the panelists in the webinar. "Because we usually celebrate openings, not closings."

"The question we had was, what will happen to the employees once all the stores are closed? So those things had to be taken care of," he added. "Max's has been here for 75 years. We had to pause and reflect again.

"While Trota stressed the importance of taking "two steps back" to reassess the situation, he also reminded entrepreneurs to act swiftly to avoid further losses.

With dine-in prohibited because of the pandemic, Max's Group focused all of its operations and resources on takeout and delivery. 

"Today, I'm happy to say that I may not have recovered 70% of my dine-in, but I definitely doubled and even tripled what I do in delivery and takeout," he said. 

"I rechanneled everything into that platform, whether it's the website, my call center, delivery riders, operations people. Everybody's focused."

So what did the Max's Group to make up for the lost dine-in sales?

"We created ready-to-cook meals... then we also have ready-to-eat meals," he added. "You have to create new channels... Dine-in is not gonna come back overnight. It will take time," Trota said.

Max's Group includes Max's Restaurant, Pancake House, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice, Yellow Cab, Teriyaki Boy, Dencio's, and Sizzlin' Steak, among others.Trota stressed the importance of having a sense of urgency in dealing with the "new normal" to be able to "succeed in a market as tough as this."

"We're not going to be the same anymore as prior to COVID," he said. "

You're not going to get your sales back overnight, so you need to work on what you can achieve."

Clean and Worry Free with LG

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LG's 6-Color Smart Display provides real-time detection of ultra-fine dust and intuitively display the air condition using six colors.

With the ever-present threat and specter of the COVID-19 pandemic looming over our shoulder, the importance of cleanliness and health cannot be reiterated more. 

Given that a lot of COVID-19 carriers are asymptomatic, the only way that we can protect ourselves and our family is being proactive in being clean. No matter how different your lifestyle or work was before the pandemic, one has to adapt and take preventive measures to ensure you don’t catch any viruses.

One of the simplest adjustments you can make to keep your family clean and healthy is to have dedicated outside clothes and shoes. If you went to work or bought groceries, pack away your clothes and shoes and wash them as soon as possible so you don’t introduce pathogens, if any, inside your home.

LG Split Type Aircon with 2-in-1 purification system that can effectively sense harmful airborne particles and filter out small dust, germs and air pollution such as PM1.0.

LG's DualCool Air Conditioner with built-in WiFi connectivity and controls indoor air temperature anytime and from anywhere.

Another option to consider is to add modern lifestyle innovations that work tirelessly to keep a clean environment. LG’s compact air-conditioners, for example, are enhanced with a 2-in-1 purification system (air cooling and air filtration) that can effectively sense harmful airborne particles and filter out small dust, germs and air pollution such as PM1.0. LG’s artificial intelligence can be seen firsthand with the PM 1.0 Smart Sensor which provides real-time detection of ultra-fine dust and intuitively displays the actual air condition using six colors. 

LG air conditioners operate at low sound levels, thanks to LG’s unique skew fan and Dual Inverter Compressor™ which eliminate unnecessary noise and allow for smooth operation.

With families staying home all the time, LG’s air conditioners are also efficient, reliable workhorses that are energy saving and quiet at the same time. LG’s Dual Inverter Compressor™ solves improper, ineffective and noisy problems, resulting in an air conditioner that cools faster, lasts longer, and runs quieter. With the 10-year warranty on the compressor, users can enjoy the benefits of LG air conditioner for a longer period of time.

In these trying times, adaptability is key. With the help of technological innovations, you’re able to free up worry and focus on things you can control. By stepping up to the challenge of having a clean lifestyle, both literally and figuratively, one can significantly lessen the chances of getting sick.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

Life's about more than having the latest technology, rather, it's about the experiences technology creates that impact our lives. LG Electronics Philippines delivers consumer electronics through top-of-the-line home entertainment, home appliances, and air solution products, that prepare Filipinos for their greatest moments. LG promises to bring "Innovation for a Better Life" nationwide - from Luzon, to Visayas, and Mindanao.

For more details, log on to lg.com/ph, like @LGPhilippines on Facebook and follow @LGPhilippines on Instagram.

Businesses allowed to resume operations in MECQ areas

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MANILA, Philippines — Select businesses will be allowed to resume operations in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) starting May 16, Malacañang announced Wednesday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, however, noted that some businesses may only employ half of its workforce on site while the other half must work from home.

Metro Manila, Laguna, and Cebu City were the three areas eased to MECQ from May 16 to 31.

As presented by the Palace official, the following are allowed to reopen businesses in areas under MECQ provided that safety protocols are observed:

Category 1:

• Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
• Manufacturing of essential goods (food and beverages), hygiene (soap, detergent, disinfectant), medicines and vitamins, medical products (masks), pet food, feeds, and fertilizers
• Hospitals and clinics
• Essential retail (groceries, markets, drugs stores)
• Laundry shops
• Food preparation and water refilling (take out and delivery)
• Logistics service providers (cargo, warehousing, trucking, shipping line)
• Delivery services
• Utilities: power, energy, water, telecom, aircon, water collection/supply, waste management, sewerage (except septic tank emptying but including pest control, garbage control, etc.)
• Repair and installation of machinery and equipment
• Telecommunication companies
• Energy companies
• Gasoline stations
• Construction workers accredited by the DPWH to work on facilities for healthcare and risk reduction
• Manufacturing companies and suppliers of products necessary for construction
• Media establishments

Category 2:

• Manufacturing (beverage, electrical machinery, wood, non-metallic products, textiles, tobacco products, paper products, rubber and plastic products, refined petroleum products, computer, electronics, and optical products electrical equipment, machinery, motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, other transport equipment) – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Cement and steel
• Mining and quarrying
• Electronic commerce companies
• Export-oriented companies
• Real estate activities – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Essential public and private construction projects (sewerage, water services facilities, health facilities) and priority (food production, agriculture, energy, housing, communication, water utilities, manufacturing, and BPO) – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home; small scale projects prohibited
• Repair of computers and personal household goods
• Housing Services activities
• Office administrative and office support (photocopying, billing) – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Special purpose accommodation for healthcare workers, OFWs, workers in permitted sectors and non-OFWs with mandated quarantine
• Accommodation for guests – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home; Only for existing long-term booking as of May 1 in Luzon
• Funeral and embalming services = Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home; excluding funeral parlors
• Veterinary clinics – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Security and investigation activities – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Banks, money transfer, services, microfinance institutions, pawnshop, and credit cooperatives
• Capital markets
• Money exchange, insurance, reinsurance, and non-compulsory pension fund – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Legal and accounting -Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Management consultancy activities – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Architecture and engineering activities – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Scientific research and development – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home

Category 3:

• Advertising and market research – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Computer programming – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Publishing and printing activities – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Film, music and TV production – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Rental, leasing other than real estate (vehicles, equipment for permitted sectors)
• Employment activities (Recruitment)
• Photography, fashion, industrial, graphic and interior design – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles including parts – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Repair of motor vehicles (vulcanizing, battery, auto repair) – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Malls and commercial centers (non-leisure) – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Restaurants – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home, delivery and take out
• Hardware stores – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Clothing and accessories – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Mall-based government frontline services – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Bookstores and school and office supplies stores – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Baby care supplies store – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Pet food and care supplies – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• IT, communications and electronic equipment – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Flower, jewelry, novelty, antique, perfume shops – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home
• Toy stores (playgroups, amusement areas closed) – Partially allowed / 50% onsite, 50% work from home

The following activities, meanwhile, will remain prohibited even in areas under MECQ:

• Barbershops and salons
• Gyms/fitness studios and sports facilities
• Entertainment industries (cinema, theaters, karaoke bars)
• Kid amusement industries (playrooms, rides)
• Libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers
• Tourist destinations (water parks, beaches, resorts)
• Travel agencies, tour operators, reservation service and related services
• Personal care services (massage parlors, sauna, facial care, waxing, etc.)